2017 NBA Draft: 5 worst Chicago Bulls draft picks in franchise history

Marcus Fizer — 2000, 4th overall

In college, Fizer was an incredible specimen. He drew comparisons to Karl Malone. He was one of the top players in the 2000 class. Oh, by the way, that was the class considered one of the worst in NBA history, so there’s that.

The Bulls were so enamored with Fizer they drafted him even though they had Elton Brand, the reigning co-Rookie of the Year (he and Stevie Francis tied that year). Fizer averaged just 21.9 minutes per game in his rookie season.

The Bulls traded Brand after the 2000 season, but Fizer did not take the step up. He played in 76 games but started just 20 of them. In fact, in his four seasons in Chicago, Fizer started just 35 games. He said in an interview that he had over 30 tattoos so he has almost as many tattoos as he has starts for the Bulls. In 2002 and 2003 he went through a couple of ACL tears (sound familiar?) and played in just 84 games (2 starts). The Bulls cut ties and he went on and suffered more injuries.

Some questioned Fizer’s commitment to working hard as a professional as at least part of the reason why he didn’t succeed. He admitted that he wasn’t the professional he should have been. This was his response when asked if he had any regrets:

"Of my career, oh yes. Not listening to those vets who came before me who saw past my talent, skills and young athleticism. Not being the pro they tried to teach me to be."

Fizer became a minister and even attempted a comeback. The comeback did not materialize, but he feels at peace knowing he at least tried.